The sun filters through the trees, dappling the lush green landscape and me. It is radiant, dazzling my eyes, and I feel compelled to close them as the heat warms me deep into my flesh, almost to my bones. I sense a profound connection with the nearby tree; my roots entwine with those of the ancient maple, deep in the earth. The scent of dark moist soil, grass and flowers wafts on the soft breeze. I sense the slightest bit of moisture in the air, and the grass is damp with the dawn's remaining dew.
Then the vibration begins low and slow and melodic. The Awen. The circle of people gathered here for this rite of spring begins by calling up the energy of the earth, the spirit of this place. I am moved beyond words by the energy and emotion this sound evokes in me. I feel the spring coursing through everything around me, people, plants, earth, water; everything is vibrating. This is the thing that calls me, this deep and profound connection to the earth and sky, the plants, animals, trees, wind, water, rocks. The divinity inherent in all that is on the earth, above and below it.
I can almost see the stones of Avebury, a circle of robed figures moving through them. Chanting, dancing to the old tunes calling up the energy of the Awen. I feel transported in time and space to a magickal place.
I get this feeling also when I hear a good song, beautiful poem or incredible story. Art moves me - embarrassingly so. When I went to the Museum of Modern Art in New York last December, I had a hard time being stoic. Not wanting to cry openly in a huge group of people is a problem that I deal with sometimes.
At some point a few years ago, I realized that I am a bard. I have at various times in my life played music, wrote poetry (bad poetry!) and painted, sculpted, made jewelry and many other forms of art. I am not a particularly good storyteller, but I can carry a tune and I make my living doing body art and modification. I also write a few words down from time to time. I received a dedication as a Druid of Caer Pugetia and took the Awen when Philip and Emma, the Joint Chiefs of the British Druid Order, were here visiting.
Many people have asked me, What is a Druid? What do Druids do? I have thought about it for a while now and come to a few conclusions. I do not think it has to do particularly with the rituals you do, although that can be part of it.
Of course, I must say that everyone is different in their individual expression of their spirituality. I am not only a Druid, I am also a witch. Does that change my experience? Probably. I wear many hats, and my interest and participation in Druidry has more to do with a deep longing for self-expression that comes through the creation of poetry, art and music. My writing is an expression of my spirituality, whether it is private love songs or articles for Widdershins.
I am first of all an artist, and I bring that to whatever I do. I create art in the moment as inspired by the old gods and goddesses whether I am doing ritual or music or sex or cooking. To me that is what being a Druid is.
[Home Page | Other Articles in This Issue | FAQ | Local Resources]